Electric drain stopper



Nov. 23, 1948. J. M. MOON ELECTRIC DRAIN STOPPER Filed Nov. 5, 1945 Attm-uey:

Patented Nov. 23, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC DRAIN STOPPER James M. Moon, Graham, N. 0.

Application November 5, 1945, Serial No. 626,797

2 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in a drain stopper and more particularly those intended for the wash basins of bathrooms. However, this stopper may be used for various other type of drains.

An important object of this present invention is to provide a drain stopper which can be actuated by magnetic attraction.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an electrically operated drain stopper wherein the stopper is provided with leg members or the like to cause the stopper to remain unseated when it is desired that water drain.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a stopper of the character stated which will automatically act to remain unseated when there is water in the corresponding basin to be drained ofi.

Various other important objects and advan-- tages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following description:

In the drawings;

Figure 1 is an elevational view with a portion in section showing the drain stopper and magnetic means;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary detail sectional view showing the stopper in elevated position through the magnetic energy of the operating means;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail sectional view showing the stopper in unseated position;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the stopper;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a slightly modified form of stopper.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen, that numeral 5 denotes a washbasin having a stopper seat 6 and drain pipe 1.

In carrying out this invention, an electro-magnet 8 is suitably mounted around the drain pipe 1, numeral 9 denoting an electric cord from a wall plug H] for supplying current thereto.

In the drain pipe 1 is a hollow core ll of a suitable material capable of being acted upon by the magnetic flux of the electro-magnet B, when energized, and through the medium of a cross pin l2, this core is connected to a vertical stopper rod [3, this rod carrying a drain stopper 14 at its upper end capable of seating against the drain seat 6. The stopper M has a depending web I5 to which a pair of dangling blades l6, l6 are pivoted at 11, II respectively.

In the operation of this form of the invention, it can be seen that when it is desired to drain water from the basin 5, a button IS in a circuit l9 with the electro-magnet 8, is pushed and results in the energization of the magnet 8, this drawing the core ll, upwardly and elevating the stopper M to a substantial distance above the seat 6. The button I8 is now released and the magnet l8 becomes de-energized. The stopper l4 begins to gravitate, but in doing so the blades l6, l6 move outwardly as they pass downwardly through the water and butt the bottom of the basin 5, as in the manner shown in Figure 3, to hold the stopper I4 unseated to permit all of the water to drain from the basin. Now, in order to seat the stopper I 4, it is only necessary to again push the button l8. This will lift the stopper i4, and this time the blade I6 will dangle straight down and pass into the drain I as the stopper comes to a seated position against the seat 6.

A modification 0f the invention shown is Figure 5 wherein numeral 20 denotes a stopper having a core carrying stem or rod 2|. In place of the leg I6, and on this stem 2| are upwardly diverged spring arms 22, 22 each provided with a coil 23 at its upper end.

These spring arms serve to support the stopper 20 in unseated position to permit water drain, the same type of electromagnetic means being employed for seating the stopper.

While the foregoing description sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that changes in the shape, size and the material may be resorted to without departing from the spirit scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention what is claimed and still is:

1. A drain structure including a seat, a drain pipe, a magnetic means on the drain pipe, a core in the drain pipe, a stopper carried by the core, said stopper being provided with water operated legs adapted to spread out as they pass downwardly through water to butt the drain structure and support the stopper in unseated position.

2. A drain assembly comprising a stopper, a drain pipe having a seat for the stopper, magnetic means on the drain pipe, a core in the drain pipe under the magnetic influence of the magnetic means, a connection between the stopper and the core, and means for supporting the stopper in unseated position, said means consisting of a pair of pivotal blades adapted to swing upwardly and passing downwardly through water, to support said stopper in unseated position.

JAMES M. MOON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,538,216 Roth May 19, 1925 

